Monday, April 18, 2011

Mismanagement Continues at MDAS

Even with the recent distemper outbreak and shut down of multiple services at Miami Dade Animal Services, little has changed. And while Director Dr. Sara Pizano has put a host of new rules in place - few, if any of these rules are actually being followed by her staff, according to reputable reports from rescuers and others visiting the shelter.

Due to the recent crisis situation and efforts thereafter, it was announced by MDAS that there would no longer be any holds allowed on animals. First come, first serve.

Why then, according to recent reports from rescuers, was a hold placed on a particular cat by The Cat Network? (Additionally, the cat was first deemed a she, then turned out to be a he ...)

When rescuers emailed to inquire about the cat, they were first told he was put to sleep (KILLED) due to an upper respiratory infection (a completely treatable condition, so why would they kill him to begin with? Especially given that the facility is nowhere near capacity).

Next, rescuers were told the cat was not PTS, and actually had a microchip.

Lastly, rescuers were told the cat was adopted out to a regular citizen, since citizens take preference over rescue groups. So what's the real story? WHO KNOWS. It changes every time.

Now on to a second example of mismanagement.

According to a report from the citizen in question, a woman came in to adopt a particular dog who was within the five-day stray hold period. She was a Miami Dade County resident, and planned to take the dog under MDAS' foster-to-adopt program, where local citizens can take an animal, but must return him if the owner appears within the five-day period.

She was told by MDAS staff that the dog had already been claimed by a rescue, and she couldn't have him. The rescue in question was not in Miami Dade County, and adopters are supposed to always take preference over rescue groups, so she inquired as to why she couldn't have the dog.

She was told by multiple staff members that it was too late, the rescue had already paid for the dog and were taking him.